Hints When Using FEMLAB

The finite element method replaces a differential equation with a large set of algebraic equations. The details to make this switch are complicated, but fortunately, FEMLAB has done that for you. You still need to know how to use the program, because, after all, it is up to you to decide if you have solved the right problem, determined the accuracy, and derived useful properties from the solution. 

Introduction to Chemical Engineering Computing, by Bruce A. Finlayson Copyright 2006 John Wiley Sons, Inc. 

The examples are made with the Chemical Engineering addition to FEMLAB, version 3.1. Appendix F describes the finite element method in one dimension and two dimensions so you have some concept of the approximation going from a single differential equation to a set of algebraic equations. This appendix presents an overview of many of the choices provided by FEMLAB. Illustrations of how FEMLAB is used to solve problems are given in Chapters 9-11. Thus, you may wish to skim this appendix on a first reading, and then come back to it as you use the program to solve the examples. A more comprehensive account of FEMLAB is available in Zimmerman (2004). 

---

Two and Three Dimensions Appendix A Hints when Using Excel Appendix B Hints when Using MATLAB Appendix C Hints when Using Aspen Plus Appendix D Hints when Using FEMLAB Appendix E Parameter Estimation Appendix F Mathematical Methods... 

---